Disko Kids Meets | Our Kids Social
We're with another Manchester-based brand this week - Our Kids Social. Founded by three mums looking for something different to do with their weekends (other than soft-play...again!), Our Kids Social offers something for all the family. Alice, Hannah and Jo put on events and parties focussing on all the things mums and dads love - music, creativity, socialising and a bit of embarrassing dancing - and making them accessible for all the family. From Vinyl Revival to Silent Discos and Story Times, there's something for everyone.
We spoke to Alice to find out what happens behind the scenes and what's coming up next for Our Kids Social.
Tell us about Our Kids Social - how did it all start?
Our Kids Social started when the three of us were on maternity leave at the same time, looking for stuff to do with our families. We'd had enough of soft play and wanted somewhere which had the interests of all family members at heart. We love music, arts and creativity and we wanted to be able to continue doing all the things we loved with our partners and kids. If we could squeeze a pint in - even better! We couldn't find anywhere that ticked all the boxes and so we began a day-dream of a social event that would. After much tea, cake, laughter and some tears (as is the way on maternity leave!), we decided we had nothing to lose and that we would give it a go ourselves.
Do you have any kids?
Between us we have 4 girls and 1 on the way. They keep us busy - and also up to date with kid's latest pop favourites for the silent disco!
How do you fit your work around your kids?
OKS is our business on the side. We all have 'other' jobs, families, social lives. Really, for any parent, it is a case of spinning all the plates at the same time. At lest with three of us working together we can help each other out whenever one drops!
What else do you do?
Our 'other' jobs are in education and fashion design. We have found our backgrounds and previous experiences really useful in setting up OKS, although we have needed some help in a couple of areas - Accounting? Aaagh!
Any independent brands you'd like to spread the word about?
As Manchester girls, it's got to be Rain City Kids for things to do with your families in the North West, Everything's Sweet for their fab feminist tees and Mamas Collective Manchester for parenting workshops, meet-ups and events.
What kind of music do you listen to?
We have always loved going to see live music together at gigs and festivals, although there will always be a place in our hearts for a bit of a rave. Our fave tunes on the silent disco come from The Stone Roses, Candi Staton and Fleetwood Mac - although Katy Perry is our secret guilty pleasure!
Have your kids inherited your music taste?
Ha! Yes, to a certain extent, although then they have other influences come into their lives who don't always have the amazing taste that we do!
Party out or party at home - Discuss!
There is certainly something to be said for a night on the tiles - we still love gigging and dancing, especially if the children are away at the grandparents' overnight! Having said that though, we try to get together often with our girls which is also fun - still lots of dancing, but less beer.
What's next for Our Kids Social?
We will keep on with our main social events throughout the year and we are now also being booked for festivals and pop-up sessions at larger events. In addition to this, we are going to be hosting silent disco birthday parties starting this autumn.
You can follow Our Kids Social for all the latest events at the following links:
Our Kids Social // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter
